My first post here
Completed my couch to 5k
Trying to keep running as I am feeling good.
Like to run early in morning 615am 😱 gives me a buzz for the rest of the day
The dark and cold /rain is slowly putting me off . not run now for 2 weeks
Any motivation /tips/stories to keep me running in the dark and cold
Oooooooooh! Good post alert!!
I absolutely love dark, cold and wet running. I look forward to these times all year long. Firstly, many congratulations on completing C25k.
I prefer evening running after work but always think of the challenge of running against the elements. I wish it to rain, be misty or foggy and cold as I see it as a test and am more satisfied after in my hot shower and recovery. Going out in all weathers makes you bullet proof and if ever you run a race and on the day the weather is iffy, you'll be set.
Some people wear running leggings and a light jacket out there. Make sure obviously you are lit up some way and I've found gloves and hat keep my ears warm but I've a genuine boundless enthusiasm for running like this. I ran 13m last night in the dark, rain and mist and couldn't stop smiling.
Any run is better than no run so get out there and give it a shot!
The hardest part of winter running is convincing yourself to get out especially on those dark mornings. However it really isn’t that bad, in fact I really like running when it’s cold or wet, seems to make you feel like you have achieved just that little bit more somehow. If you are struggling with motivation for consolidation runs try setting which days of the week are your running days. That way if you miss one you can remind yourself you have missed a run, as opposed to the “I’lll definitely run tomorrow’ approach.
One tip for running in the cold or rain is to try to time your run so you finish at home or at your car, as you will be amazed how quickly you cool down afterwards. Go on give running in the rain a go, once you are wet it doesn’t really matter anymore. Good luck!
Any chance of shifting some of your runs to daytime? I started as an evening runner but with the dark evenings I've found it works better if I move some of my runs to daytime (one work lunchtime, one weekend) as I do really enjoy exploring new routes and seeing the world around me. And for my third run of the week I have started joining my local running club - there are limited places because of COVID precautions so I can't do it every week but it's really nice to have company when the evenings are dark and it definitely helps motivate me get out the door.
I'm also doing the virtual Lejog challenge which is also motivating me to keep up my mileage.
Finally having good kit (high viz and just warm enough) does make me feel more confident and comfortable when running in the dark.
Feeling comfortable and warm keeps me getting out of the house personally. I may be like a jogging cabbage 😂 but hey, if it works - it works.
As I tend to feel particularly cold when it's damp and humid, I just keep dressing up. I've got various thickness long sleeve tops, and a good couple of jackets, ranging from waterproof windbreaker to a thin vented soft shell. If suddenly I feel one jacket too much - unzip, tie around the waist; repeat until success. Leggings and shorts are now packed away for winter, and splash proof but breathable jogging trousers, that do get quickly dry and not get soaked fast are my current favourites. Yesterday I was even considering some thin vest, and I'm sure thermal layer will be unpacked at some point, too.
You quickly acclimatise! It’s amazing 😃. I did C25k in winter and thought I would surely die. I warmed up in my hall before hitting the street. A short warm up routine done twice so I get toasty and warm up my muscles You walk briskly for however long you need to before starting to run I always take a jacket, and cover my ears Gloves are a good idea when it’s really cold
Being seen in the dark is essential. Most running gear is reflective fortunately. I got a fab Karrimor jacket and matching headband that is visible from Mars 😃
Unless you get out there you won’t know that it’s ok 🙂. We generally stay home if there are gales blowing or for ice!
Yes, warming up and cooling down in the house definitely helps. I do love the feeling of being my own heat source in cool or wet weather, feels so invincible!
Running in the dark?
Dancing in the dark 
Running in the dark 
Cold dark foggy ...
